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Being an island, Koh Phangan is inextricably linked with water-based sports and activities. From the challenging wakeboarding based at Chaloklum to diving trips to the debauchery of a booze cruise to fishing outings, it’s a life on the ocean wave when it comes to things to do in Phangan.

However, land-based activities include ATV riding, yoga and meditation and even archery. Thongsala and Haad Rin both have Thai Boxing schools while sundown games of beach football and/or volleyball are easily found at any fair-sized beach on the island.

If you’re adamant about staying in tip-top shape during your stay, both Jungle Gym and Arena Gym in Haad Rin have good facilities while the island’s only air-conditioned fitness centre is in Ban Tai. Being such an untouched spot, trekking on Phangan is definitely a challenging activity but trekkers should hire a guide as the risks of getting lost are quite high.

Archery

The First Bow & Arrow Club is indeed that: the first (and only) on the island. A simple affair, the club is outdoors and offers instruction and membership. There are several combinations and setups to choose from plus a bar/bistro for after-sports relaxation.

Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:00

Location: Near Chaloklum Village on the road to Thong Sala

Tel: 077 374 315

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Boat Trip to Ang Thong, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan

The trip from Phangan to Ang Thong National Park from Phangan is definitely worth it. The island-park has a hollowed-out interior that is home to several exotic species of fish and the surrounding waters can be explored by kayak. The climb to the top of the main island’s ridge affords some spectacular views of the emerald-green waters of the interior lake and some of the 42 surrounding islands. It takes less time to get to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan and the waters there absolutely teem with colourful fish.

Diving around Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is ideally situated for diving forays into the Gulf of Thailand. The reefs from Chaloklum and down the northwest coast are in good condition and it’s even possible to dive directly off the beach.

Sail Rock, one of the best diving sites in the Gulf at 15-40 metres below sea level features a dense variety of sea life and is only one hour away. Around Koh Tao you’ll find lots of turtles, leopard sharks and unicorn fish – to put it briefly, Koh Phangan is a diver’s paradise.

Haad Yao Lounge, Fitness & Sauna

Haad Yao Lounge Fitness Centre is the first Indoor & Outdoor Fitness on Koh Phangan and offers a Herbal Sauna, a Lounge, Bar & Restaurant. You can enjoy Thai and Western food at Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, along with Shakes, Juices and Cocktails. There, you’ll get the best Sunsets & Free Wi-Fi. There are three work-out and relax areas. Perfectly located, it’s open six days a week.

Kayaking in Koh Phangan

Most major beaches on Koh Phangan feature kayaks for rent and it’s well worth exploring the beautiful coastline in this manner. The best locations are on the calmer west coast but really any beach is a ‘go’ area if the sea is not choppy. It’s strongly advised not to go kayaking alone near sunset and please take note of the fact that going with a current means fighting it all the way back. Keep covered up from the sun and take plenty of water. Waterproof camera bags are for sale in Thongsala and Haad Rin.

Location: Any beach when the sea is calm

Koh Phangan Booze Cruises

On the day before the Full Moon Party this little junket heads out to Hoh Ma, Thansadet, Thong Nai Pan, Bottle Beach and Haad Khom. With the solitary aim of getting punters sozzled, it’s no wonder the Booze Cruise boat passes by the aptly named Bottle Beach… Based in Thongsala, Phangan Adventures organise other marine adventures but this seems to have the edge on originality. Generously throwing in lunch, it’s an all-you-can-drink day somehow incorporating snorkeling, kayaking, waterfalls and lots of drinking games.

Location: Weangthai Hotel and Resort

Tel: 089 648 3945

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Koh Phangan Cookery School

The most famous and popular Thai cookery school on Koh Phangan is Same Same in Haad Rin. It’s a friendly and personal setup, English speaking and accredited by the Thai Ministry of Education. You can choose between a single day class and courses lasting up to five days and even have fully professional training with the aim of becoming a fulltime chef at Same Same.

Location: Haad Rin and Ban Tai (opposite 7-Eleven)

Tel: 077 375 200

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Trekking in Koh Phangan

Much of Koh Phangan is wild and pretty much perfect for trekking/bushwhacking and even camping. The eastern coast is the best place for this adventurous activity as well as the central, mountainous part of the island – specifically Khao Ra, which stands at 630 metres and overlooks Chaloklum and Thong Nai Pan. The actual route is not too demanding but it’s easy to lose it, as is the case with a lot of trekking routes on the island. For this reason it is recommended to hire a guide – which should cost in the region of 500 baht per day.

When it comes to a challenging yet fulfilling activity, wakeboarding ticks all the boxes. Wake Up! bar is located near Chaloklum Beach and conducts its activities near the Chalokum Pier. The only professional wakeboarding outfit in the Gulf of Thailand, Wake Up! features English-speaking coaches, a full gamut of boards and equipment and a friendly bunch of people. Read More...

Location: Wake Up! bar on the Chaloklum-Haad Mae Haad Road just outside the village

Tel: 087-2836755

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Yoga and Meditation

Koh Phangan has a history of spirituality and has long been a favourite royal destination because of this. Mountaintop and beachside yoga and meditation are certainly an attractive option and the island has more than its fair share of beautiful locations in which to pursue your inner self.